There is a critical need to increase participation in physical activity for everyone, this we already know.Unfortunately, many physical activity programs are not designed in a way that includes people with disabilities.Recognizing the need for inclusive programming and the common barriers to physical activity for people with disabilities (cost, transportation, don’t know where/how to exercise, inaccessible facilities, lack of knowledgeable staff) the staff at the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) knew it was time to put their heads together to come up with something creative, something that hadn’t been tried before.

It quickly became clear that the internet is a growing platform for delivering health promotion programs that can tackle many of the barriers faced by people with disabilities and reach large numbers of people.The existing web-based programs, though, didn’t seem to be providing modifications to allow people with a variety of different abilities to be able to participate.This was NCPAD’s niche!After much discussion and research, the 14-Week Program to a Healthier You was born; an inclusive web-based program that uses three stages of progression to promote physical activity (that can be done anywhere, without specialized equipment) and healthy eating for people of all abilities.

We had learned that, in general, the more a web-based program is tailored and interactive, the better the results.Understanding that one of our greatest challenges was going to be providing resources and exercises that fit the needs of each participant regardless of individual fitness level, exercise experience, and type of impairment, we knew that the opportunity for individualized interaction was crucial.

With these things in mind, the features of the program were developed. They include:

Follow-up wellness coaching with one of the 14-Week Coaches after the 14 weeks had ended

The results, so far, have been fantastic!Interest in the program far-surpassed what we ever dreamed possible, with 3,500 people registering in 2010.Although we have yet to do a detailed evaluation of the program, preliminary review shows that people of all abilities increased their levels of physical activity, enjoyed the program, and would highly recommend it to others in their social circle!We are excited to run the program next spring and work in new ideas to continue to assist individuals of all abilities in becoming more physically active!

How are you creatively promoting physical activity for people of all abilities?

I really like the concept of making the program accessible to everyone!! It reduces the anxiety some people may feel when beginning an exercise program, and having contact with a NCPAD coach is very encouraging!

I like this post because it really push the disables to get an exercise to help their selves to go for a healthy leaving. The benefits of physical activity aren't limited to those who can walk. The disabled can manage their weight through other forms of physical exercise, which also affords such benefits as lessening stress, enhancing self-esteem and promoting a more positive outlook on life.

We’re terribly lucky that our city has a fitness center- only about five minutes from my house. Right now I’m spending 1000 peso a month on it, but I think having someone to help me choose my exercise and nutrition plan, as well as someone to be accountable to (she does check-ins) is going to be invaluable in this journey to getting healthy.

Providing access to exercise machines and equipment recognizes the need and desires of individuals with disabilities to have the same opportunity as other patrons to enjoy the advantages of exercise and maintaining health.
Some people with disabilities hesitate to be active for fear of falling. Anyone can fall and activity actually improves balance and coordination to the extent that injury is less likely among people who exercise on a daily basis.